The gospel is supposed to bring liberty (Lk. 4:18) but the example of churches is tyranny. An assertion of top-down authority which does not exist. The self-governance of many religious institutions is the most intrusive form of tyranny possible: What people can eat or drink, read or watch, and do or not do.

Isn’t it interesting, that when religious people go about trying to “fix” larger societal problems, they always go about it the same wrong way: Put the religious authorities in control over all of life. The example of the Amish & Mennonites. The history of religious establishment. Religion on a power trip. There’s nothing worse than letting people govern themselves, for Christ’s sake!